Who Qualifies for the 50% Discount?

Starting in 2026, the INM will charge the full fee (100%) for issuing residence cards. However, there is a key benefit if your stay falls under one of these three categories:

• Preserving the family unit.
• A formal job offer from an employer with a valid registration with the INM.
• Invitation from a public or private organization for nonprofit activities.

Fees for Temporary and Permanent Residency

Exact costs for issuing or renewing your residence card in 2026:

Temporary Residence and Work Permit

If you obtained your residency through family reunification, financial means (including as a digital nomad), or as an investor, your card does not include permission to engage in paid work. You must apply for this separately.

Visitors and Short-Term Work Permits

For stays of up to 180 days. The following procedures are not eligible for the 50% reduction:

Travel Authorization for Minors — New for 2026

The Exit Authorization Form (SAM form) for children, adolescents, and individuals under legal guardianship is no longer free of charge.

Apply for this permit in advance. Our team can guide you through the requirements and necessary documentation.

Exit Permits with Pending Procedures

If you have an immigration application in process (change of status, regularization, renewal), you may need to apply for a Permission to Leave and Return in order to travel outside of Mexico without affecting your application.

Receipt and Review of the Application

Before the INM processes your application, you must pay the fee for receiving and reviewing your file. This payment has three key features:

• This does not guarantee approval. The INM charges a fee to review your case, regardless of the outcome.
• This fee is non-refundable. If your application is rejected, you will not be refunded this payment.
• This is mandatory. Without this payment, the INM will not begin the process.

For Employers: Don't Be Fooled by the Prices

The INM's fees may seem affordable, but the real cost of a mistake isn't in the immigration fees—it's in the consequences.

• Accumulated fines totaling tens of thousands of pesos.
• Legal and administrative proceedings involving hundreds of thousands of pesos.
• Suspension of employer certifications with the INM.
• Work-related contingencies involving undocumented foreign workers.

Processing of NUTs and Visas at Consulates

The Unique Case Number (NUT) is the reference number issued by the SRE or the INM to initiate certain immigration procedures, and it is a mandatory requirement for applying for certain visas.

For visas processed abroad, payment is made in U.S. dollars or local currency, depending on the country. Your MIGRALAW advisor will let you know the exact amount applicable to your case.

Immigration Fines (UMA 2026)

Immigration fines are calculated based on the Unit of Measurement and Adjustment (UMA). Daily UMA value for 2026: $117.31 MXN. These fines are cumulative, and no discounts or exemptions apply.

Naturalization: Become a Mexican Citizen

If you have been living in Mexico as a resident for several years, you may already be eligible to apply for naturalization and obtain Mexican citizenship. The application is filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

• Get a Mexican passport.
• Vote and gain full rights as a citizen.
• It eliminates the need to renew residence permits.

At MIGRALAW, we guide you through the entire process: from the eligibility assessment to the submission of your application to the SRE, including preparation for the exam on Mexican history and culture.

How to Pay Your Immigration Fees?

Did you know that MIGRALAW can receive your payment and submit it directly to the INM on your behalf?

• Interest-free payments available.
• Payment made at the correct bank, in the correct format, and at the appropriate stage of the process.
• Avoid making mistakes on the "Help Sheet" that could delay or invalidate your application.